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The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

The student news site of Stillwater Area High School

The Pony Express

Amandla Stenberg on the billboard for The Hate U Give at the Marcus theater in Oakdale in the fall, used for advertisement.

‘The Hate U Give’ exposes controversial message

Sierra Hippel, Distribution Reporter October 31, 2018

The Hate U Give is a book and movie people are raving about. Many were very anxious when it came out on Oct. 19. It is a dramatic/thriller starring Amandla Stenberg, who is also known for her role...

State champion gymnasts prepare for upcoming season

State champion gymnasts prepare for upcoming season

Elle Sprenger, Social Media Editor September 12, 2018

After winning State last year, the gymnastics team prepares for their upcoming season as returning State Champions. The girls 2017-18 gymnastics team beat Lakeville North to claim the title of State...

Photo by Aubrey Kelley

Lori Stippel has ‘nailed it’ in final days of teaching

Ben Valerius, Announcements Editor May 4, 2018

With the end of the year on the horizon, students are anxiously anticipating the end of long school hours and endless nights of homework. Teachers get the chance to take a break as well, and many look...

CHAMPS: Gymnastics posts school record score to win state title

CHAMPS: Gymnastics posts school record score to win state title

Hunter Hippel, Online Editor-in-Chief March 7, 2018

If the Stillwater gymnastics team was going to have its best performance of the season, then the 2018 Class 2A State Tournament was the time to do it. The Ponies posted a team score of 150.25, their...

Infographic by Madison Weispfenning

Gymnastics sets eyes on state tournament

Madison Weispfenning, Editorial Cartoonist February 19, 2018

The gymnastics team has been one of Minnesota's best this year, currently ranked No.1 in the state.  Led by coaches Dusty Dennis and Traci Swenson, experience is everywhere, from the coaching staff...

photo by Michael VanLieshout

American English departments lack diversity

Abby Banks, Print Editor-in-Chief October 28, 2017

Amidst heated debates about immigration reform, protests which have somehow made the general populace throw the First Amendment out the window, and hate crime rates skyrocketing, public education coats...

The team stands by and watches as a teammate completes her beam routine. One can feel the sense of team from watching as the girls are constantly cheering and encouraging one another. “We have grown so much just within the season, and are continuing to grow with our skills, and that has allowed us to score much higher than in the recent years,” sophomore Peyton Classon says.

Gymnastics team prepares for sections after topping long-time competitor

Ciana Fragnito, Social Media Reporter February 13, 2017

Stillwater gymnastics has a history of performing well each season leading up to the final meets where they often place very high.  With sections right around the corner the team is gearing up for...

Haley Tholen handles high school

Dylan Foster, Field Reporter December 5, 2015

High school is one of the most eye-opening, engaging and interesting times in a teenager's life. It can also be one of the most stressful, emotional and challenging times in one's life. Therefore when...

Team members Linnea Rusted and Danielle Keran put chalk on their hands as they prepare to practice the uneven bars. Chalk helps the gymnasts to grip onto the bars so injuries like slipping do not happen. Chalk also absorbs sweat and it protects the gymnast's hands.
”My favorite skill on the uneven bars is giants. They’re a skill where you basically start in a handstand swing around the bar and finish back in a handstand. You typically do two giants in a routine then let go to dismount. They were pretty scary to learn but once I got the hang of them, they were actually really fun to do,” junior Rustad said.

Gymnastics prepares for upcoming season

Madison Crain, Layout editor November 18, 2015

  This season the gymnastics team will have three captains and five coaches all working together so that the team can make it to state. The coaches are Traci Swenson, Caroline Urgo, Dusty Dennis...

Steil finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Steil finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Kyah LaBancz, Online Editor April 2, 2015

With medium length blonde hair, a petite frame and a fashion forward wardrobe, Language Arts teacher Rachel Steil stands in front of the classroom wearing a welcoming, but firm stance. Steil, always...

Absolute concentration is required for some of the moves that are pulled off. Senior captain Marleigh Wise said, "As a captain I work to set an example and motivate the team to perform the best they can. All the captains are there to connect the team to make sure we are there for each other and support each other everyday.”

Gymnastics team springs into new season

Megan McGuire, Online Editor December 3, 2014

Flying and launching bodies through the air. Twisting and turning using all the strength they have. With tryouts over and daily practices in full swing, the gymnastics team is working hard in the...

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Traci Swenson